The different types of primary oven parts, for an electric model, include a baking element, electric cord, wire racks, and temperature sensor. In a gas oven, these parts are an igniter and pilot light, wire racks, a gas line, and temperature sensor. The type of part required to repair any portion of an oven will be determined by the appliance's manufacturer and its method of generating heat.
The oven is the part of the stove that bakes. The range is the upper portion, also called a cook-top, that includes burners which may be used to cook with pots and pans. Some ovens are sold as single or double wall units, which are not attached to ranges.
An electric oven bakes food by means of two heating elements. They are typically made of metal, and are curved in design to reach all four sides of the interior. They attach to the bottom and top walls of the oven by means of a set of screws which bolt them into place. These elements contain several wires that may be inserted into the back wall of the appliance which, when plugged in, will allow them to produce heat.
A gas oven cooks food by means of vented gas and an igniter. The igniter may be flat or round, and is generally made of carborundum or ceramic. Once the bake temperature is selected on the gas unit, gas is vented along the underside of the central oven chamber. The igniter then lights the gas by means of a pilot light, allowing the interior to circulate heat.
Two different oven parts are required to power the appliance based on its means of cooking food. Electric ovens are powered by an electric cord. This may be attached to the back of the unit and plugged into a heavy-duty wall socket designed to channel large volts of electricity. Gas ovens utilize a gas line and pilot light. A safety valve ensures that no harmful gas is released prior to the activation of the igniter.
Food is cooked inside the oven on metal racks or a broiler tray. Most ovens, whether gas or electric, are equipped with two racks. Their height may be adjusted by means of grooves along the oven walls. The broiler tray may be ceramic or metal, and usually contains slits through which fat may drip during cooking, into a separate drip tray. This tray is used when cooking food at high temperatures for a short period of time.
Both gas and electric ovens use a temperature sensor. This allows the oven to continuously increase heat until it has reached an internal temperature that matches the setting to which the user has turned the dial. Once the selected temperature has been achieved, the oven provides only enough heat to maintain it.
Other standard oven parts may include a light-bulb, which is activated by a switch whenever the oven door opens, and a glass front door. Oven doors are often made of tempered glass which does not conduct a great deal of heat. This prevents individuals from burning their hands on the outside of the oven while food is being cooked.
Oven parts are available at local home improvement stores or over the Internet. They may be installed by the homeowner or a professional repairman. Ovens should always be disconnected from their power source, whether electric or gas, before beginning any type of maintenance.